Overview

On successful completion of this programme, it is expected that students will be able to:

• Describe advanced research methods and a variety of psychological theories and paradigms, and identify the applicability of psychological methods and theories to personal and social issues.
• Demonstrate reflective and critical thinking regarding psychological research and its applications and recognise the significance of psychological theories and psychological research methods for personal and social issues in everyday life.
• Develop and apply learning practices for independent studies, such as to identify where and how to locate and access information relevant to the study and research, to interrogate new information, to break tasks into manageable parts, to focus on task-related goals and to provide and receive feedback on learning experiences and progress.
• Display communication and presentation skills, that is, writing skills, oral presentation skills, and interviewing skills.
• Demonstrate interpersonal competencies and professional sensitivity in accordance with the role of psychologists in society, and develop mature and ethical attitudes that help to understand and address social and psychological issues.
• Apply psychological theories and methods to personal and social issues by considering the utility and feasibility of such applications.

CONTACT

Graduate Profile

MSc Student Charles Brand

"I am approaching the halfway stage of my first semester in the MSc Psychological Science programme at the University of Limerick.  My professional end goal is clinical psychology and UL provided the only course I could find that offered a choice of specialised clinical training.  I am very impressed by the enthusiasm of the teaching staff and I definitely feel part of team that's engaged in maximising my learning potential. 
There is plenty of support available from staff as well as opportunities to engage with them through their research areas and gain experience as a research assistant.  As a selling point to potential employers and to help future applications to other academic programmes this experience is invaluable.”

“The UL campus facilities are amazing with excellent academic study and research areas, really modern library as well as a state of the art sports arena.  I really like the fact that the main concert hall hosts some of the best entertainment on tour in the country because it means I don't have to travel to take advantage of it.  This makes the feeling around campus really vibrant and helps to take the pressure off the academic side of things.”

“Overall I’m really happy with the course delivery of the Psychological Science MSc and learning environment at UL.  There’s the opportunity to have a good balance of work and play and I think both are important for making the best of my time at college.”

Programme Content

This 1-year master programme requires full time attendance on campus. Overall, 90 credits (ECTS) are required for the degree, 30 credits of taught modules in the first semester, 30 credits of taught modules in the second semester, and 30 credits of the major research project. The course has 3 Streams: Research Methods, Applied & Social Psychology, and Clinical Psychology - graphical view of three streams

Entry Requirements

Normally a 2.2 honours degree in psychology is required. In addition, we will consider relevant work experience and equivalent qualifications in cognate fields (e.g., sociology, economics) with substantial research methods experience. In the case of international candidates the overseas equivalent is required. Where candidates are non-native English language speakers, certified demonstrable achievements in a Standard English Language Competency Test will be necessary. Candidates may be interviewed as part of the selection process.

Garda Clearance is also required for this programme.

WHAT TO INCLUDE WITH YOUR APPLICATION

• Qualification transcripts and certificates
• English language qualification if English is not your first language
• Certified English translations of your transcripts/certificates where the originals are in a language other than English 1 (one) academic reference.
• A copy of your birth certificate (long document)

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of either prior successful completion of a degree qualification taught through the medium of English or meet one of the criteria below (no longer than  two years prior to application):

Acceptable English Language qualifications include the following:

Matriculation examinations from European countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved

• Irish Leaving Certificate English –Ordinary Level Grade D or above
• TOEFL – 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based), 80 (internet based)
• IELTS – Minimum score of 6.5* for Business, Arts, Humanities or Education programmes. Minimum score of 6.0* for Science, Engineering, Informatics or Electronics programmes *with no less than 6 in any one component.
• English Test for English and Academic Purposes (ETAPP) – Grade C1
• GCE ‘O’ level English Language/GCSE English Language – Grade C or above
• University of Cambridge ESOL –Certificate of Proficiency in English - Grade C / Certificate in Advanced English Grade A
• GCE Examination Boards – Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations – Grade C / Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate – School Certificate Pass 1-6 / University of London Entrance and School Examinations Council – School Certificate Pass 1-6

Results in examinations other than those listed above may also be accepted as meeting our English language requirements. Contact the International Education Division for advice.